Graham-Mebane Lake
Graham-Mebane Lake General Information
3218 Bason Road
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (919) 563-6544
Visit this link for Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions
As a source for recreation, Graham-Mebane Lake offers sport fishing, boating, skiing, paddle sports (stand-up paddleboards are welcomed), bank fishing, and picnicking. The facility features a marina office where sales of user permits, bait, fishing supplies, concessions, and paddle vessel rentals are performed. A seven-lane boat ramp offers ample space for loading and retrieving several boats at once. There are two docks for securing boats and a kayak launch with handrails and rollers for easy launching of kayaks and canoes. The bank fishing area features approximately 1000 feet of shoreline, two fishing piers, multiple fish attractors, picnic tables, and a shelter. The Lake offers several tournaments and family programs throughout the year; however, no swimming or wading is allowed.
Lightning Policy
For safety, Graham-Mebane Lake restricts admittance during periods of lightning, heavy rain, and fog until safe boating/fishing is assured. The lake does not put boats on the water or anglers on the bank until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 10 miles. Boaters already on the water and anglers already fishing in the bank area must use their own judgement as when to seek safety during lightning conditions.
Fishing
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after species in Graham-Mebane Lake. Other species include bluegill, carp, and shad. An angler is allowed a limit of five (5) bass over 14 inches per day. There are no other size or number limits on fish.
The marina provides an assortment of live bait including crickets, red worms, and night crawlers. Fishing supplies (hooks, bobbers, weights, stringers) are also available. The marina offers refreshments to purchase (drink and snack machines). Take a break in the Lake office to discuss the best fishing spots with the marina staff and be sure to check out the Fish Photo Wall of Fame, all from the current year.
The lake hosts the year-round Big Bass Tournament and several Catfish Tournaments each year. Due to limited parking, we require that Club Tournaments register with us before planning a tournament at the lake.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Fisheries Research Fact Sheet
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program
Graham-Mebane Lake participates in the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Tackle Loaner Program (TLP). The program is designed to introduce kids (ages 6 to 12) to fishing by allowing them to sign out fishing rods to use free of charge. Parental guidance is required. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program was started in the ’90s as a way to get people fishing and encourage novice anglers to develop their fishing skills. NCWRC collaborates with multiple city, county, and state agencies so anglers can loan fishing rods and reels for free. Please ask Lake Staff for more information.
Online TLP Registration • Printable TLP Registration
Community Fishing Program
The Graham Recreation and Parks Department has joined with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Community Fishing Program to install a handicap-accessible fishing pier and solar-powered fish feeders to make fishing more enjoyable for all anglers. A second pier was installed to reduce crowding and allow bank anglers to fish areas that were previously out of reach.
There are four fish feeders near the shoreline to attract fish closer to the bank fishing area. These feeders, the two fishing piers, and the fish attractors combine to make bank fishing at the lake fun and productive. This makes our Bank Fishing Area ideal for families seeking enjoyable and economical fishing trips.
Fishing Attractor Map
Club Tournaments
Club tournaments are welcome at Graham-Mebane Lake; but due to limited parking (maximum 45 boat trailers) we have several rules:
- Tournaments are limited to 20 boats per day. Whether it is one 20-boat, two 10-boat, or three 6-boat tournaments, the total cannot surpass 20 boats.
- Clubs must register their tournament and reserve their date, preferably at least one week beforehand.
- Give us the completed Check-In Form and collected User Fees when you arrive the day of your tournament to speed up launching.
- To protect the fishery from unnecessary loss, we do not allow tournaments in June, July, and August.
- All lake regulations, including size limits, apply.
Good luck and let us know your winning weights before you go – we’re always interested!
To Register:
- Come by the marina or call us at (919) 563-6544 during normal operating hours. Required information for reserving a tournament includes club name, contact name, phone number, and email, and expected number of boats. It’s first come, first served for tournament dates.
- Pick up or download the Club Tournament Check-In Form
Programs & Events
2023 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2023
Times: During Operational Hours
Ages: 16 & older
Cost: $25.00, which covers the entire tournament (normal lake user fees apply)
Details: Graham-Mebane Lake sponsors a Season-Long Big Bass Tournament (BBT). Join the tournament anytime during the season. Fish as often as you like each month, the heaviest Largemouth Bass caught and weighed in by an entrant during the current month wins that month. There will be seven monthly winners, with the exception of a tie. Each monthly winner and the Second Chance Tournament winner receives an Annual User Fee Permit ($50- $70 value) valid for one year and qualifies for the Fish-Off held in October. Top 3 finishers in the Fish-Off receive monetary prizes: Fish-Off payout is based on 75% of entry fees collected, divided as follows: First Place – 50%, Second Place – 30%, and Third Place – 20%. A tournament entry fee must be paid before catching and weighing a fish, normal lake user fees apply. Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off: Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 8:00am – 3:00pm
2022 Big Bass Tournament Results | ||
Month | Winner | Winning Weight |
March | Matt Davis | 8.04 lbs. |
April | Robert Riggan | 7.80 lbs. |
May | Michael Muldrew | 7.20 lbs. |
June | Chris Mundy | 7.09 lbs. |
July | Curtis Rippey | 8.24 lbs. |
August | Calvin Hicks | 8.94 lbs. |
September | Kurt Krone | 5.98 lbs. |
2nd Chance | Dustin Cobb | 5.29 lbs. |
2022 Big Bass Tournament Fish-Off Results
1st Place – Curtis Rippey – 7.16 lbs.
2nd Place – Chris Mundy – 5.84 lbs.
3rd Place – Kurt Krone – 5.02 lbs.
2023 BBT Second Chance Tournament
Season-Long Dates: March 1 – September 30, 2023
Times: During Operational Hours
Ages: 16 & older
Cost: $10.00, in addition to the BBT entry fee (normal lake user fees apply)
Details: An option for Big Bass Tournament (BBT) entrants is the Second Chance Tournament, run in conjunction with the BBT. This tournament gives BBT entrants who do not win a month an opportunity to win an Annual Permit and participate in the BBT Fish-Off. To qualify, Second Chance entrants weigh in their largemouth bass caught during the BBT with the goal of making the tournament-long Top 8 heaviest largemouth bass (that do not win a BBT month) list. Lake Staff will compile and keep this list up-to-date. There will be a tournament for those Top 8 in early October, with the winner qualifying for the BBT Fish-Off Tournament and receiving an Annual Permit. Must be an entrant of the 2023 Season-Long Big Bass Tournament to enter. The Second Chance Tournament is on October 7, 2023, from 8:00am – 3:00pm
Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Times: The gate opens at 7:00am, the mandatory meeting at 7:30am, and the launch will follow. The tournament begins at 8:00am, all boats return by 3:00pm for weigh-in.
Ages: 16 & older (at least one entrant per boat must be age 16 or older)
Cost: $100 per boat, 1 or 2 people (maximum of 2 people per boat) • $110 same-day registration
Details: Pre-registration begins in person on (Date: TBD) at the marina at 3:00pm. First come, first served. 75% Payout to the top three spots. 100% Big Fish Payout will cost an additional $10 per boat. All prizes/payouts will be awarded by check, mailed from Graham City Hall on the following Thursday. Space is limited, 20 boats maximum. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544. Tournament Rules – Coming soon!
2022 Graham-Mebane Lake Bass Tournament
1st Place: Michael Muldrew & Christopher Brent Chatman – 24.12 lbs.
2nd Place: Jeff Poston & Landon Linch – 22.95 lbs.
3rd Place: Lucas Lobaugh & Avery Marrs – 20.17 lbs.
Big Fish Contest: Michael Muldrew – 7.57 lbs.
Bank Fishing Catfish Tournaments
Dates: Saturdays – May 20, June 17, July 15, August 12, 2023
Time: 8:00pm – Midnight (in August, times are 7:00pm – 11:00pm)
Ages: For all ages, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to cast, hook a fish, and reel it in by themselves. Adults may help net a fish.
Cost for Entrants: $15.00 per entrant in each tournament
Cost for Spectators: Free; but spectators shall identify themselves to Lake Staff during the sign-up period or when they arrive
Details: Graham-Mebane Lake sponsors several bank-fishing catfish tournaments each summer. Payout is for the three heaviest catfish caught and weighed at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament by three different entrants. (Entrants may weigh as many fish as they like, but only their heaviest fish will be considered.) All fish must be caught by rod, line, and hook at Graham-Mebane Lake during the tournament. There will be a 50/50 drawing during the tournament. This is an alcohol, tobacco, and vape-free event. Pets must be leashed with a leash in hand and remain under positive control. Same-day, in-person signups. Live bait will be available to purchase. Two rods per entrant. The tournament is weather permitting. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
As a reminder, all people aged 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Bait Rule: Only baits that are classified as legal for use in NC inland waters by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission are allowed.
Spectator Rules:
1. Spectators shall check-in at the Marina office during sign-ups or as they arrive. Their vehicles will be inspected (for fish and alcohol) just the same as tournament entrants.
2. Spectators may come and go during the tournament, but each time they return they must stop at the Marina office to have their vehicle inspected.
3. Spectators may not cast, fish, hook, or reel in fish.
2022 Catfish Tournaments Results
May 21 • 1st 3.87 lbs., 2nd 2.99 lbs., 3rd 1.66 lbs.
June 18 • 1st 4.56 lbs., 2nd 3.18 lbs., 3rd 2.89 lbs.
July 16 • 1st 3.95 lbs., 2nd 2.15 lbs., 3rd 1.58 lbs.
August 13 • 1st 3.14 lbs., 2nd 3.04 lbs., 3rd 2.11 lbs.
Youth Fishing Day
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Check-In Time: 8:30am – 9:00am
Event Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 4 – 15
Cost: Free, online registration is required for participants, and space is limited
Register Online – Register by (Date: TBD) for an event t-shirt, registration closes (Date: TBD) at 12:00pm (or when full)
Details: Youth ages 4 to 15 are invited to participate in a FREE, non-competitive Youth Fishing Day! Enjoy fishing, raffles, SnoBalls, and games at the Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van. Stormwater SMART will also be on-site with fun, educational opportunities as we kick off Alamance Creek Week!
Registration is online only and the event is limited to the first 100 participants to register by (Date: TBD) (ages 4 to 15). The first 100 to register online by (Date: TBD) will also receive an event t-shirt (ages 4 to 15 only). It is recommended that every youth attending the day of the event needs to register in advance to guarantee a space. There will be limited day-of-event registration. We encourage only immediate family members to attend to maximize space for youth participants and please carpool if possible. Bait will be provided.
Need a fishing rod? Be sure to sign up to borrow a loaner rod during registration, supply is limited to approx. 40. Provided by the NC Wildlife Tackle Loaner Program.
Please note: All children must have adult supervision during this program. The bank fishing area will be closed to all anglers until 12:00noon, except those there for the event. In unforeseen circumstances, this program is canceled, and there is no rain date – the program will take place the following year. Grab your lawn chairs, fishing poles, and tackle, but please no smoking/vaping, no pets, and no drones.
As a reminder, all people aged 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Paddle Clean-Up at Graham-Mebane Lake
Date: TBD
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: For All Ages (must be 16 years of age or older to reserve a boat)
Cost: Free; online registration is required for all participants (fee waived during the program for borrowing boats, or bring your own – space is limited, registration is required)
Register Online – Registration is open through (Date: TBD) or until full
Details: Trash. Yuck. Not something you want to see on your float at the lake. Let’s keep the Graham Recreation & Parks Graham-Mebane Lake beautiful and clean as we celebrate Alamance Creek Week! Make a difference for our waterways and the birds, fish, and wildlife that call Graham-Mebane Lake home. Trash (plastic containers, food wrappers, old fishing line, etc.) sometimes finds its way into the lake and along the shoreline, let’s all do our part to protect this picture-perfect scenery for all to enjoy. Come out to Graham-Mebane Lake for a Paddle Clean-Up! Bring your own kayak or use one of ours (boat reservations are limited to the first 10 requests total: single or tandem) and enjoy a morning on the water while also helping to clean and beautify the lake. Please pick up trash from inside your vessel or at the Lake’s Park & Marina, since the shoreline may be private property. Registration is open May 2 through May 20 or until full. Space is limited to 10 with their own kayaks and 10 borrowing a kayak: 20 kayaks total. Trash bags will be provided, and trash picker tools are limited.
Family Day at the Lake
Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
For All Ages (certain activities may have age & weight requirements)
Cost: Free, registration is required, and space is limited
Register Online – Registration is open through (Date: TBD) or until full
Details: Join Graham Recreation & Parks for a fun-filled family afternoon at Graham-Mebane Lake. Come out and bank fish for free or head out on the water for a paddling adventure with the options of kayaking or canoeing, and family pontoon boat tours. The Park & Play Mobile Recreation Van will also be available to provide family fun with a variety of yard games. SnoBalls will also be on-site for a cool treat or feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy under the shade by the water.
Every participant must wear a PFD/life jacket while participating in water activities. The smallest PFD available at the lake is rated for youth 30lbs-50lbs. If your child wishes to participate in water activities but weighs less than 30 lbs, you must bring an appropriately sized Type I, II, or III, Coast Guard approved PFD.
We encourage you to bring your own fishing rods as we have limited supplies for loaning. Live bait will be available to purchase. As a reminder, all people age 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to fish in North Carolina waters. Fishing licenses can be purchased from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website or from a local tackle shop or outdoor retailer that serves as a wildlife service agent.
Please note: All children must have adult supervision during this program. Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental boat. Persons aged 8 and under must be in a canoe or tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian. Persons, 9-15 years of age may be allowed to launch or operate a solo kayak/watercraft if they are accompanied on the lake by a parent or legal guardian. For the pontoon boat tours, all persons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please arrive early to guarantee a time on the water.
Inclement Weather Updates: In unforeseen circumstances, this program is canceled, and there is no rain date. The program will take place the following year. Any changes in the schedule and/or cancellations will be posted on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page.
Please no smoking/vaping, pets, or drones. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
Lake Cruises on the Pontoon
2023 Dates: TBD
Choose a Time (please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time, approx. 45-minute ride): TBD
Ages: all persons under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
Cost: $10.00 per participant per ride, online registration is recommended for participants to secure a space, space is limited to 10 riders
Location: Graham-Mebane Lake • 3218 Bason Road, Mebane, NC 27302
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure time, this will give you time to park, get checked in, sign waivers, and be fitted for a PFD/life jacket. Pontoon is scheduled to leave the dock promptly at the listed start time for an approx. 45-minute ride.
Details: Graham Recreation & Parks invites you to experience a Lake Cruise on the Pontoon boat at Graham-Mebane Lake. Enjoy the view, catch a glimpse of the wildlife, and experience a boat ride around the lake.
Every participant must wear a PFD/life jacket while participating in this program. The smallest PFD available at the lake is rated for youth 30lbs-50lbs. If your child wishes to participate in this program but weighs less than 30lbs, you must bring an appropriately sized Type I, II, or III, Coast Guard approved PFD. All children must have adult supervision during this program. Please no smoking/vaping, alcohol, pets, drones, or fishing from the boat.
Inclement Weather Updates: Changes in the schedule and/or cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page or you may call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544. Pontoon rides will not operate in the case of rain or thunder/lightning. No rain date.
For more information, please call Graham-Mebane Lake at (919) 563-6544. Space is limited. Registration will close at 12:00noon on the Friday before scheduled pontoon rides or when full. If space allows, walk-ups will be accepted on the day of the program. No refunds, unless canceled due to inclement weather.
A Day at the Lake Seek & Find
Offered Monthly During Operational Hours
Ages: 5 – 12
Cost: Free
Kids ages 5 – 12 are invited to participate in the Lake Seek & Find during a visit to Graham-Mebane Lake…on land or on water. When you arrive for the day and check in at the Lake Office, just ask our Lake Team for a Seek & Find. Kids will have the opportunity to discover the many sights of the lake during their visit with a scavenger hunt featuring pictures and names of the animals that call Graham-Mebane Lake home. When you leave for the day, just drop off your hunt at the Lake Office with the items marked that were found during the visit. It’s okay if you don’t find everything…we just hope you had fun and learned a few new things during your lake adventure! At the end of each month, all participants’ names will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a kid-friendly Graham Recreation & Parks Outdoor Swag Bag. One entry per month and one prize per person. Prizes can be picked up at the Graham-Mebane Lake Office during operational hours. There will be no mailing of prizes. All prizes must be picked up within 30 days or the prize will be forfeited. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
Keep Graham-Mebane Lake Beautiful (a clean lake initiative)
Offered During Operational Hours
Trash. Yuck. Not something you want to see at the lake. Let’s keep Graham-Mebane Lake beautiful and clean! During your visit, if you are wanting to make a difference for our waterways and the birds, fish, and wildlife that call Graham-Mebane Lake home, consider borrowing a “Litter Pick-Up Kit” from the Lake Office consisting of a mesh bag, trash picker, & gloves to take on the water to collect litter you may come across. At times, trash (and old fishing line) finds its way into the lake and along the shoreline, but we all want to do our part to protect this picture-perfect scenery for all to enjoy. Please only pick up trash from your vessel or at the Lake’s Park & Marina, since the shoreline may be private property. For more information, please call (919) 563-6544.
How to Make A Difference at Graham-Mebane Lake:
- Please borrow a “Litter Pick-Up Kit” and help make a difference by collecting litter during your time on the water
- After disposing of the litter in the trash can (be aware of hooks in the fishing line), please return your mesh bag and trash picker to the Lake Office
- Please direct any questions to the Lake Office staff
Kayak, Canoe, & Jon Boat Rentals
Come relax on the water and enjoy the views that Graham-Mebane Lake has to offer. The lake offers 14 single kayaks, 3 fishing kayaks, 5 tandem kayaks, and 3 canoes, as well as 4 jon boats available to rent on a first-come basis. Renters have the option of “up to 4 hours” or “up to 8 hours” rental periods.
Kayaks & Canoes: Our top-tier kayak /canoe launch features a sturdy launch ramp and rollers, allowing for easy launch and recovery without scraping your boat on cement ramps. It’s equipped with launch and grab rails for added safety and to help keep you dry. Bring your own canoe/kayak out or rent one of ours!
Jon Boats: Jon Boat rentals are provided a 14-foot jon boat, paddles or oars, and PFDs. Renters can provide their own motors. Motors can be trolling motors or small gas motors (maximum of 10 horsepower).
Jon Boat rentals are available year-round.
Kayak & Canoe rentals are available from April – October.
Graham-Mebane Lake Vessel Rental Fees
Vessel Rental Program
To Rent a Kayak, Canoe, or Jon Boat:
• Renters must be age 16 or older
• Rentals are first come, first served; are non-refundable and non-transferable
• A valid, government-issued photo ID is required to rent
• Complete a rental agreement and liability waiver form at the Lake Office
• Personal flotation devices (PFD’s) and paddles are provided. PFD’s must be worn while on or near the water.
• No rental permits will be issued within 2 hours of closing time
• All rental boats must be returned 1 hour prior to closing time
• Persons must be of walking age to enter any rental vessel
Kayak Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older. Exception: Youth ages 14-15 may rent/operate a kayak if:
– A parent/grandparent/legal guardian signs the Waiver Release of Liability; or
– We receive parental/legal guardian permission via telephone conversation
• Youth ages 9-13 may operate a solo kayak with a parent/legal guardian-signed waiver and must be supervised on the water by said parent or legal guardian in an adjacent vessel
• Ages 8 and under must be on a tandem kayak with a parent or legal guardian
• One person allowed on a solo kayak at a time
• The solo kayak weight restriction is 350 pounds
Canoe Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons age 16 and older, or two persons age 16 and older and two persons under age 16
• There must be a person age 16 or older in the canoe
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the canoe for every person age 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in a canoe by a parent or legal guardian
• The canoe weight restriction is 1,100 pounds
Jon Boat Restrictions
• Renter and operator must be age 16 or older
• Maximum capacity is three persons, the maximum weight capacity is 600 pounds
• There must be an adult (age 18 or older) in the boat if there are children aged 12 and under
• Ages 8 and under must be accompanied in the boat by a parent or legal guardian
Regulations
• Renters un-rack, launch, and re-rack kayaks by themselves
• All rental customers and passengers are REQUIRED TO WEAR THE PFD’s issued to them at all times while on or near the water
• Renters must return to the marina building to complete the checkout process. PFD’s and paddles must be returned to Lake Staff at this time
• No Swimming is allowed. If you fall in you must get out of the water immediately
• Rental boats and equipment must be returned in the same condition as when they were rented
• Vessel renters and passengers may not make contact with the shoreline or bank or exit the vessel anywhere on or along Graham-Mebane Lake other than the designated launch/return area
• Vessel renters and passengers must comply with all ordinances, regulations, and rules governing the use of Graham-Mebane Lake
• Boat rental operation may be suspended and/or canceled due to inclement weather; if in doubt call the Marina at (919) 563-6544 for possible closings
• Lake Staff reserves the right to deny rentals
• Pets on Rental Vessels: Pets are not allowed in the water under any circumstances, and renters must clean up after their pets so that no trace of the pet is left behind.
Shelter Rentals
The lake features one large picnic shelter with an outdoor grill. Reservations are recommended for the use of the large picnic shelter for scheduled events. First come, first served if there is not a reservation. Shelter reservations are available from February – November, with times limited during February/March and October/November (see details below). No electricity. Includes two grills (1 full size: 1088 sq. in. & 1 family size: 293 sq. in.)
Shelter Reservations
Shelter Size: 20′ x 35′ (6 tables)
The maximum capacity is 35 persons. Parking is limited, carpooling is recommended.
Times: 9:00am – 1:00pm OR 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Lake Shelter Reservations for February/March and October/November are not available 2:00pm – 6:00pm due to Operational Hours. During February, not available Monday – Thursday. During November, not available Monday – Friday. The lake is closed during the months of January & December.
Fees:
Graham Resident $25 per reservation period
General Public $50 per reservation period
Please contact the Graham-Mebane Lake Office for more information about reservations at (919) 563-6544. There are also several other free-of-charge picnic areas with grills located throughout the marina area offered on a first come basis.
Ski Area Usage
Due to Water Quality, Bank/Shoreline Erosion, and Safety Concerns a 6 ski boat, 4 jet ski daily limit has been implemented for the Ski Area. The lake allows motorized boats up to 24 ft long with a 35 mph speed limit on the water.
A reservation may be made beginning each Monday morning to use the designated ski area through that Sunday afternoon. Reservations are accepted on a first-call basis. Only 6 boat and 4 jet-ski reservations are allowed each day. Same-day reservations are accepted, however, we encourage ski area users to make their reservations early in the week. No other skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, etc. will be allowed.
If you need to make a reservation or are unable to use the reservation, please call the Marina at (919) 563-6544.
FAQ's
What are the lake’s hours?
City ordinance requires that activities on the lake be limited to daylight hours. As these hours vary with the seasons, so do the lake’s operating hours. See Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions for current hours.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, anglers age 16 and older are required to have a valid NC fishing license. Licenses may be purchased online from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission or at area sporting goods stores.
What’s it cost to bank fish?
For anglers ages 13-64 the fee is $3, senior citizens (age 65+) $1, children 12 and younger are free. See our Hours of Operation, Fees, & Directions page for boat launching and vessel rental rates. Please present proof of age.
Can I swim in the lake?
No, the primary purpose of the lake is for municipal water supply so swimming is not allowed.
What fish species are in the lake and what are the size limits?
Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the most sought after fish in the lake. Other species include bluegill, carp, and shad. An angler is allowed a limit of five (5) bass over 14 inches per day. There are no other size or number limits on fish.
Does the lake sell live bait?
Yes, the lake sells night crawlers, red worms, and crickets. We do not sell minnows. Hooks, weights, bobbers, and ice may also be purchased at the Marina.
City of Graham Drone Policy
NCWRC Boating Rules & Regulations
Special Use Form (for approved fire/rescue groups only)